How can I find a friend/girlfriend? I have nothing

I'm a 21 year old guy in Newcastle I'm a recovered gaming addict for a few years (stereotypes /on!) I have stopped completely and want to build a normal life Recently I broke up with my girlfriend after spending most of the last year together (distance relationship but we did meet a number of times). This relationship was my only one. I would like to start going out, socializing, and hopefully meet someone special, but i need some advice on where to start. I don't know anyone of my age and have no contacts who want to socialise at all. About me: I'm not an overly confident person but I'm also not overly shy. Im very kind hearted, Like-to-please attitude. I can act quiet and seem shy around new people, but once I understand someone i can be open and talk confidently about anything. People tell me i am very handsome People also tell me I'm very intelligent (I would guess somewhere in the top 5/10%) I'm modest, loyal and never angry/loud, I generally enjoy being with people, being accepted in a group or by a partner is more important than what we actually do, so i can enjoy almost anything. I don't have any particular social interests (sport, clubs etc), My only skill i would say is on the piano, I play things like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4JD-3-UAzM and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6a9odk6b_c My views so far: I don't enjoy loud nightclubs with a lot of people, and probably wouldn't have anything in common with people that go to them (I also cant drink alcohol :P). I don't mind a more relaxed club, with seating areas, dancing and music. I cant just walk into a club/bar on my own, as far as i know everyone goes with their own friends and it would seem very awkward to walk up to a group of people who are chatting etc and try to join in. Beyond this I don't have any ideas. Its like everyone is in a big social bubble and I'm on the outside and have no contacts to get me in. I have tried looking online, didn't find anything. Where should I go? Are there any places to go on a night out specifically for finding friends? Maybe I'm missing something obvious? Any advice on how to make the first steps to finding either a friend, group of friends or girlfriend would be very helpful.

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